Opposition withdraws from crisis talks

12/06/2016

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A recession driven by plunging prices for Venezuela's crucial crude oil exports has led to shortages of food and medicine.Jesus Torrealba -- the leader of Venezuela's opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD)-- speaks to reporters in Caracas, on December 2, 2016

Venezuelas opposition Tuesday withdrew from the latest round of crisis negotiations with authorities, insisting the government first release prisoners and allow a vote on the volatile countrys political future.

"We are staying in the dialogue system but we are not going to take part in today's meeting," said Jesus Torrealba, leader of the opposition MUD coalition.

His side insists the government release jailed opposition leaders and agree to hold a vote on whether Socialist President Nicolas Maduro should stay in office.

Maduro has refused both demands, despite insisting he is open to dialogue.